Upcoming Chapter Events
Upcoming Chapter Events
Are you attending Apra PD 2026 in Chicago? Let's meet up!
Thursday, August 13, 8:30-9:00am
Stevens Salon D
No Registration Required
Join Apra Michigan on Thursday, August 13 in the Exhibit Hall (Stevens Salon D) to connect about the conference.
We hope to see you there!
Apra Michigan Virtual Book Tour: The Art and Science Approach to Fundraising Data and Research
Wednesday October 14, 2026 1:00-2:00PM EDT
This session brings together practical advice and candid stories from Stephanie’s work across the fundraising landscape. Stephanie will unpack the ideas that shaped her book and share her favorite strategies for navigating database selection or migration, prospect research, and data-driven fundraising. Whether you work in a small shop or a large advancement office, Stephanie will highlight essential skills every professional should master as well as core concepts for anyone working in fundraising. The session includes an interactive Ask the Author Anything Q&A, giving you space to dig into real questions that surface in your daily work.
Stephanie Willis is a seasoned philanthropy strategist and data-driven fundraising leader with nearly 15 years of experience guiding nonprofit organizations toward greater impact. As a database consultant at Creative Fundraising Advisors, Stephanie's main responsibilities include leading and supporting client engagements focused on data audits, database strategy, and best practices. A Gallup-Certified Strengths Educator since 2010, Stephanie's thought leadership extends to speaking engagements, published articles, and mentorship programs. Stephanie is currently on the Apra Board of Directors and serves as the president of the Apra Foundation.
Registration Link to come!
Here & There: Apra Networking around the Great Lakes
Wednesday August 19, 2026, 12:00-1:00PM CDT
Hear from Marianne Pelletier— a globally recognized leader in donor modeling and data mining — as she breaks down how RFM scoring can illuminate your most promising prospects across Major Gifts, Planned Giving, Annual Giving, Engagement, and Membership.
Marianne is the recent author of "5 Ways to use RFM Scores in Fundraising." This book is a must‑read for anyone working in fundraising strategy or operations!
With 35+ years of experience at Harvard, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, and more, Marianne has shaped the field of prospect research and continues to push it forward.
Let's talk about navigating career changes, the modern job search process, and personal branding and professional development!
Wednesday August 23, 2026, 12:00-1:00PM CDT
Abductive reasoning is a form of logic which research and non-profit professionals utilize everyday. Distinct from both deductive and inductive logic, abductive reasoning is also known as the "Logic of the Maybe" and involves forming conclusions from the information and data that is known. It is also the ideal kind of logical reasoning for making new discoveries. Through sharpening your critical thinking and abductive skills, you can bring a brand-new level of value to the conclusions and consultations you provide as a prospect research professional. Join speaker Cayden Ferrin as he guides us through easy to understand, yet fascinating examples, and a surprising amount of humor, this presentation gives you all the tools you need to energize, inform and re-think your approach to prospect research.
Around the Nation
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